A NEW era dawned for motorists in 1968, as Great Western Motors’ opened its first ever ‘self-service’ petrol station in Wokingham Road. Traditionally, most drivers would usually be served by a forecourt attendant, but by the mid 1970’s this had largely disappeared. The process for actually pumping fuel was a bit involved, so the Chronicle helpfully explained the procedure: “Select a pump and press its red signal button, which alerts the central kiosk operator. After their visual check, the light will change to an amber colour, followed by a green “go ahead” flickering light.” The new plans for a state-of the-art shopping centre at Crockenwell Road in Woodley, involving the demolition of council houses, were criticised with regard to the traffic problems it would ‘engender’.